Carroll closing in on Reds debut

Andy Carroll could be in line to make his first appearance for Liverpool against West Ham United this weekend, after making a rapid recovery from injury.

There had initially been fears that Carroll - signed from Newcastle United for £35 million on transfer deadline day in January - would miss a large part of the remainder of the season with a thigh problem he was already carrying when the transfer was completed. But after taking part in some training drills at his new club on Monday, there is now a chance the striker could be involved in the matchday squad for the trip to Upton Park.